Asking and Listening

Surrendered Business

I must admit, I’ve become accustomed to asking Google for answers to questions. More recently, as I have experimented with conversational AI, I’ve witnessed powerful tools that will reshape how we do business. But with all of the wonders of the latest technology, we have a much more powerful resource available: the voice of God.

In Luke 11:9, Jesus says, “Ask and you will receive. Seek and you will find. Knock and the door will be opened to you.”

In business there are many moments where I don’t know what to do. Strategic direction can feel like a roll of the dice in an uncertain market. People issues are hard, especially if you want to take care of someone’s heart in the middle of needing key business functions performed with consistency and excellence. Add to that customer challenges and financial decisions. Business is full of hard choices.

We don’t have to face these choices alone. Jesus invites us to ask Him. Then, He invites us to listen.

Imagine one of your key leaders comes to get your opinion on an important decision. What if they asked the question and then walked out of the room before you could answer? You’d no doubt be frustrated.

While this would likely not happen in real life,, I must admit that this has described much of my prayer life. “Father, I ask you to help me with this situation.” Then, I say “Amen” and get on with my day.

I imagine the Father is happy that as one of his sons, I have come to him for advice. Yet, how frustrating it must be when I don’t even pause to listen.

I suppose that in the world of Google search where I get an answer in less than a second, I’ve become impatient. Yet, I’ve also discovered that it doesn’t have to take hours to hear God's voice.

While I believe in the power of getting off the grid for a sabbatical on a regular basis, hearing God’s voice doesn’t always need to involve putting on a backpack and heading into the mountains. I’ve experienced that power of pausing for a few minutes to tune into God’s voice.

Practically speaking, for me hearing God’s voice happens when I go for a walk. Over a mile or two I can descend into my heart and listen to what He is saying. For more challenging issues, a day or two of fasting also helps me dial in.

The guidance of God is available for those who have the confidence to ask and pause long enough to listen.

Paul says in Romans 8:14, “Those who are led by the Spirit of God are the children of God.” We have the opportunity to be led in life and in business.

He wants to lead. And, if we have surrendered our lives and our businesses to God, He is truly in charge. He wants to be asked. He wants us to listen. And, I believe he wants to deepen our relationship with Him in the process.

Running a business brings up lots of hard questions. What kind of incredible advantage could you receive were you to ask, pause, and listen?

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